This Is My Way: Sonia's Story

Guiding and Scouting have always been in Sonia’s blood. Her mother was active in the movement and, after moving to Britain from Australia eight years ago, Sonia has thrown herself into the Manchester Scouting and Guiding community. She organises activities at district and county levels, and has even organised expeditions as far afield as Morocco. On top of all her contributions, Sonia has personally gained the highest award in Guiding, the Queen’s Guide Award.

Why Sonia?

Sonia’s leadership skills within The Scout Association are without question. Sonia is a role-model who has loved the outdoors from a young age. She shares that passion with her Scout group and children, passing on her passion and skills, not only for the outdoors, but for life.

Neil used to be a bookworm, an "indoor" type if ever there was one. After finishing a PhD he writes short stories about spooky places and odd people. Living in Switzerland, the Canadian Rockies and the north east region of the USA convinced him that there was something to be said for this whole outdoor thing. Now he runs everywhere he can, competing in races most weekends and endlessly planning the next great adventure to some far flung part of the world. Recent trips include Costa Rica, where he tried and failed to surf; Vietnam, where he almost got stuck in an underground tunnel; and back to Canada, where he came face-to-face with a bear. Watch this space for further updates on Neil's global bumblings and the occasional athletic success.

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